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Brumbies not backing down on resting trio

David Pocock runs out for the Brumbies. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
30th May, 2018
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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is hopeful an amicable solution can be struck with the Brumbies over the availability of three of their star players this weekend.

Cheika has made what he says is a “common-sense” request for the Super Rugby franchise to sideline David Pocock, Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa from Sunday’s crucial home clash against the Sunwolves so they can rest and prepare for Australia’s first Test against Ireland.

The Brumbies are desperate for the trio to play, not only to boost their chances of winning but also to boost flagging crowds at GIO Stadium.

If the Brumbies reach their targeted crowd of 15,000 on Sunday, they will donate $5000 each to three Canberra charities.

It comes after an email was sent to members last week from chief executive Michael Thomson and chairman Phil Thomson, who warned the club “may no longer exist” if attendances don’t pick up.

Cheika insisted he had “no beef” with the Brumbies but said the Wallabies needed to be put first.

“I don’t think the six-day turnaround is the right thing in regards to getting these guys right to play a Test match against the number two nation in the world, the grand slam champions, a team that’s been in camp and ready to go,” he said.

“I’m hoping that we can work it out together because I know that the Brumbies have been very, very supportive of the national program and of us being involved with them all season.

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“Sometimes you’ve got to have an aligned conflict to get to the right outcome and I respect those guys a lot and I’m sure we’re going to try and find a way to get this resolved.”

The other three Australian franchises all play on Saturday and haven’t been asked to rest any players.

The Brumbies will already be without Wallabies lock Rory Arnold and promising young hooker Folau Fainga’a for the match due to suspension.

Those two were also among eight players from the ACT club who were named on Wednesday night in Cheika’s 33-man squad for the Ireland series.

“We started out we would like to have the eight (rested) and we worked our way backwards,” Cheika said.

“I also took into consideration the fact that the Sunwolves will be resting all of their Japanese international players for the match and I’d be backing the Brumbies in the form that they’re in and the players they’ve got to go on and beat the Sunwolves regardless.”

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